Margie Quin, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation special agent in charge, gives a presentation on trafficking at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, Tenn., on Jan. 25, 2012.

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As sex trafficking has garnered newfound attention, Tennessee has developed one of the nation's most comprehensive anti-trafficking programs.

An additional 12 new laws approved by lawmakers this year include harsher criminal penalties on traffickers, an extended window of time for prosecutors to bring charges and the creation of a state trafficking task force to study and respond to the issue.

The measures amplify a wave of attention since a statewide study in 2011 documented incidents of sex trafficking - which officials define as coercive adult prostitution and any sexual ...